Diseases and Conditions

Measles

What is measles?

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a viral illness. It is characterized by a distinct rash and a fever. Measles is very contagious.
It is spread through airborne droplets of nasal secretions. When infected people cough or sneeze, droplets spray into the
air and can remain active and contagious for 2 hours. Once a common childhood disease, it is now rare due to effective immunizations
in developed countries. Although usually a mild illness in children, measles can have serious complications in adults. It
can be fatal to children and adults with weak immune systems.

What are the symptoms of the measles?

The measles usually begin with flu-like symptoms. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Fever

Runny nose

Sore, pink eyes (conjunctivitis)

Cough

Feeling ill

Swollen lymph nodes

Headache

In most cases, 3 to 4 days into the course of the disease, tiny white spots appear on the inside of the mouth. Within another
few days, a red rash appears, covering the whole body. Once this rash appears, the fever may get much worse. This rash fades
after 4 to 7 days as symptoms subside.

The symptoms of measles may look like other medical conditions. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

What complications are commonly associated with measles?

The following are some complications that may occur from the measles:

Ear infections

Lung infections (pneumonia)

Diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

What is the treatment for measles?

Specific treatment for the measles will be determined by your doctor based on:

Your overall health and medical history

Extent of the condition

Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

Expectations for the course of the condition

Your opinion or preference

Although antibiotics will not treat the measles itself, it may be necessary to treat secondary infections. Usually plenty
of fluids and acetaminophen for the fever help make you more comfortable.

How can measles be prevented?

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) is a childhood vaccination against measles, mumps, and rubella. People who have had the
measles are immune for life. However, if you work at an educational institute, or a health care setting, or are planning international
travel, you may want to be vaccinated to boost your immunity. As there has been nearly no measles circulating in the United
States, immunity in most adults has waned.

Usually, the first dose of the MMR vaccine is given when a child is 12 months old, and a second dose is given at 4 to 6 years
of age. However, if 28 days have passed since the first dose was given, a second dose may be given before the age of 4. Infants
6 through 11 months who are at risk for catching measles, such as before international travel, may receive one dose although
they will still need 2 more doses.

If you have measles, take special care to avoid other people or public places for about a week after the onset of rash. This
will help to prevent an outbreak.